I believe that my Interdynamics set cost about $75 at a local FLAPS; I'm
happy with it.
On forums like aircondition.com I've seen other brands mentioned that
are said to be better.

Larry A.

Stan Wilder wrote:

>Careful buying gauge  sets with manifolds off the E bayze site.
>I bought a set in an Interdynamics appearing box.
>The Interdynamics is / was a good quality American brand.
>When the Gauges arrived it was evident that they were Chinese made and of
>very poor quality.
>The gauge set looked good at first and then turned out to be pot metal
>manifold, tinted gold (Like Brass), crummy little plastic knobs on coarse
>threaded valve fittings that required lots of torque to close.
>First part to break was the plastic lenses, next the plastic knobs, then the
>hoses wouldn't seal because of sorry rubber seals in side.
>I paid $40.00 for this set but I watched others pay twice as much on the
>fellows other auctions.
>If you buy gauge sets I'd suggest that you buy locally and buy quality the
>first time.
>Just beware of any Ebaze item.
>I hate to admit it but I got stuck several times and the Ebaze and Seller
>return procedure or getting your money back is lengthy and not worth the
>return delivery.
>
>Stan Wilder
>Engine Ceramics
>214-352-4931
>www.engineceramics.com
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Larry Alofs" <lalofs@RCN.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2005 12:45 PM
>Subject: Re: now: A/C equip needed
>
>
>
>
>>John Carpenter wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>Hi All,
>>>Do we have any professional auto air conditioning
>>>experts on the list?
>>>What equipment is necessary to do one's own air  servicing?
>>>Brands, models, prices?
>>>I assume it's not cheap, but in the long run, worth  it?
>>>thanks,
>>>John
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>The two main things I use are:
>>  a gauge set ( ~ $75 )
>>  a decent vacuum pump ( ~$100 used, ~$500 new)
>>
>>Of course if you want to reclaim, analyze, and recycle R-12, etc.,
>>that'$ another ball game.
>>
>>Larry A.
>>amateur
>>
>>
>
>
>